Meningococcal Disease in Fiji
26 Mar 2018
On 23 March 2018, the Ministry of Health in Fiji
declared an outbreak of meningococcal disease. There have been 18 cases from 1 January to 21 February 2018.
Advice for Travellers
Meningococcal infections are spread through airborne droplets and direct contact with nasal/pharyngeal secretions of infected individuals or carriers.
Respiratory infections are often difficult to prevent but following basic personal hygiene etiquette when coughing and sneezing can help. Avoiding overcrowded areas such as busy markets and local transport may also reduce risk of exposure but may not always be practical.
Vaccines to protect against multiple strains of meningococcal meningitis for travellers are available: Menveo and Nimenrix. Individuals should consider being vaccinated if they are travelling to a country where meningococcal meningitis is present and where their stay maybe prolonged or they are involved in activities which may increase the risk of exposure to the disease, for example, working in a healthcare setting and living closely with the local population.